Cloud was building on the high fells opposite, but the
sunbeams were attractive as they shone down on Rannerdale Knotts.

We continued our climb up the Lad Hows Ridge
. . .

. . . but the clouds were gathering here too.

Grasmoor Summit and a gentleman from the National Park
doing a quick survey of the summit cairn.

Apparently the summit shelter would originally have been
a round cairn, most probably a burial mound. Whilst this one has not been
investigated fully, it matches similar prominent cairns in the Lakes,
several of which have been excavated successfully to reveal their secrets.
Over the years this round cairn has collapsed and been re-built in the
form of small rough walled shelters to protect modern man from the elements
on the summit of this high peak.

The Park keeps a watchful eye and records the details
where they can.

Down now to Wandope Moss

The weather clears slightly as we temporarily
lose height.

The erosion coming off Grasmoor is very noticeable as
the turf is poor and excessive footsteps easily expose the shale underneath.
Over the last few years the 'Fix the Fells' team have been up to try and
halt the erosion by laying a mechanically engineered path. It must be
said that the route now suffers less erosion and the grass is starting
to grow back but may I also say that the heavy handed methods they have
used have left as big a scar as the original blight.

These wide gravel paths are not blending in and the wide
and deep run-off channels on the climb apposite would be more suited to
urban roadways. Surely what was needed was stone paths and smaller, more
frequent drainage channels.

Give it ten years the moorland grass may grow back but
the artificial nature and double width of the new route will remain.

- - - o o o - - -

Our lunch spot without a view.

Back up on Addacomb Edge now, we are back in the cloud
but a sheltered spot in the rocks allows us to stop and enjoy a sandwich.

Slippery rock and not paying proper attention while you
search for a photo means yours truly hits the ground in an unceremonious
heap. This is the second walk we've done with John and Dee and last time
Ann ended up in a heap - this is becoming a habit - must remember to suggest
walking with them on a dry day next time !

Still back on my feet - a summit picture on Wandope.

Dee is collecting Wainwright summits too - this is her
second new one today - she is smiling inside her hood I'm assured.

From Saddle Gate, the hause between Thirdgillman and Whiteless
Pike, the view started to improve.

Down level with Rannerdale Knotts we were clear of the
cloud but have just been drenched by a passing rain shower.